Provenance materials for Vitruvius' harenae fossiciae and pulvis puteolanis: Geochemical signature and historical–archaeological implications

摘要: Abstract In this paper we present new geochemical and petrographic data aimed at identifying the volcanic materials used in Roman times to produce fine aggregate of mortars employed construction terrestrial ( harenae fossiciae ) maritime pulvis masonry structures, described by Vitruvius De Architectura . Using trace-element discrimination diagrams, study establishes lithological provenance a selected dataset mortar aggregates sampled from edifices ancient Etruscan towns Sutri, Vulci Volsinii (Bolsena), Rome (Temple Castor Pollux, Temple B Largo Argentina, Forum Trajan), harbors Anxur (Terracina) Claudius (Fiumicino). We show that was referring loose pyroclastic products (pozzolan) erupted volcanoes Magmatic Province, cropping out Tuscany, Latium Campania, were selectively systematically exploited different regions central Italy. particular, identify specific occurring northern which investigated exploited, correlate them four kinds defined as carbunculus , rubra nigra cana also material extracted ports for work, calls corresponds pumice-fall deposits Phlegrean Fields district, discuss archaeological implications historical background leadership held town Puteoli (Pozzuoli) technique exportation structures.